strawberry cake slice

Delicious Strawberry Cake Recipe You’ll Love Making

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The sun shone brightly in the kitchen, filling it with the scent of strawberry cake. It reminded me of all the family gatherings where my grandmother, MeeMee, made this special dessert. Her cake was always the favorite, beating out the chocolate sheet cake.

MeeMee baked over 200 strawberry cakes for our birthdays. She left behind her recipe, which we still follow today. Now, I’m happy to share this recipe with you, so you can enjoy the same joy it brought to our family.

The Perfect Homemade Strawberry Cake: An Introduction

Baking a homemade cake is a fun way to enjoy summer’s sweet flavors. This recipe uses real, fresh strawberries to make a moist cake with a strong strawberry flavor. Making your own cake lets you pick the ingredients and customize it to your liking.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This homemade strawberry cake is special because of the care in making it. The cake batter has a strawberry reduction for extra flavor. The frosting, made with cream cheese and strawberry reduction, adds a tangy touch to the cake.

Key Benefits of Making Your Own Strawberry Cake

  • Ability to control the quality and freshness of ingredients
  • Customization of flavors and textures to your personal preferences
  • Satisfaction of creating a homemade dessert from scratch
  • Potential cost savings compared to store-bought options
  • Opportunity to experiment with different variations and techniques

Homemade strawberry cake baking lets you make a dessert that’s both delicious and shows off your cooking skills. You’ll enjoy a cake that’s fluffy, full of strawberry flavor, and topped with a creamy frosting.

Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Cake

To make a delicious cake, you need the right ingredients. Fresh, juicy strawberries are the main attraction. You’ll need about 230g (2 cups) of them to make a tasty strawberry reduction.

The cake mix includes all-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups or 320g) and cake flour (2/3 cup or 250g) for a soft texture. It also needs baking powder (2 teaspoons) and baking soda (1/2 teaspoon) for it to rise well. A little salt (1/4 teaspoon) helps balance the sweetness.

For a moist and buttery cake, use 226g (1 cup) of unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (100g) of granulated sugar, and 3 large eggs at room temperature. Adding 120g (1/2 cup) of strawberry Greek yogurt enhances the strawberry taste.

The frosting is a rich addition, made with 8 ounces of full-fat cream cheese, 1/2 cup (113g) of unsalted butter, 6 cups (680g) of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup (22g) of ground freeze-dried strawberries, and 1/4 cup (80g) of strawberry jam.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a strawberry cake that will wow everyone.

IngredientQuantity
All-Purpose Flour2 1/2 cups (320g)
Cake Flour2/3 cup (250g)
Baking Powder2 teaspoons
Baking Soda1/2 teaspoon
Salt1/4 teaspoon
Unsalted Butter226g (1 cup)
Granulated Sugar1/2 cup (100g)
Eggs (Large)3
Strawberry Greek Yogurt120g (1/2 cup)
Fresh Strawberries230g (2 cups)
Cream Cheese (Full-Fat)8 ounces
Unsalted Butter (for Frosting)1/2 cup (113g)
Powdered Sugar6 cups (680g)
Freeze-Dried Strawberries (Ground)1/2 cup (22g)
Strawberry Jam1/4 cup (80g)

Making the Fresh Strawberry Reduction

To make this homemade strawberry cake special, we start with a fresh strawberry reduction. First, blend ripe strawberries into a smooth puree. Then, put the puree in a saucepan and cook it over medium heat, stirring now and then.

Keep cooking until it thickens and reduces by a quarter. This will leave you with a rich, concentrated 3/4 cup of strawberry reduction.

Proper Reduction Techniques

Getting the perfect strawberry reduction takes patience and careful attention. Don’t rush it. Let the puree simmer slowly to get a deep, smooth flavor.

Stir the mixture often to avoid sticking or burning. Watch the pot closely to get the right 3/4 cup volume.

Storage and Usage Tips

  • After it cools, put the reduction in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  • This concentrated strawberry puree will be used in both the cake batter and the frosting. It adds a strong, natural strawberry flavor.

Adding Natural Color and Flavor

To make your cake even more vibrant, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to the batter. The strawberry reduction gives natural color, but baking can sometimes make it less intense. A little food coloring can help your cake look like it’s bursting with strawberry flavor.

Now that you have your fresh strawberry reduction, you’re almost ready to make a delicious homemade cake. Your friends and family will love it. Next, we’ll work on the cake batter. Stay tuned for those tasty details!

Step-by-Step Cake Batter Preparation

Making a tasty strawberry cake batter is key to a delicious homemade cake. A few easy baking tips can help your cake turn out great every time.

Start by mixing dry ingredients in a bowl. Use all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a bit of salt. In another big bowl, mix butter, sugar, and oil until it’s fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

Then, add vanilla extract to boost the flavor. Next, mix in sour cream and strawberry reduction. Alternate adding buttermilk and flour, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft and light.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour your cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy release.
  3. Divide the strawberry cake batter evenly between the prepared pans.
  4. Bake the cakes for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling your strawberry cake.

For the best results, use room-temperature ingredients and don’t overmix. Follow these steps to make a moist and delightful cake.

IngredientAmount
All-purpose flour2 cups
Baking powder2 teaspoons
Baking soda1/2 teaspoon
Salt1/4 teaspoon
Unsalted butter, softened1/2 cup
Granulated sugar1 cup
Vegetable oil1/2 cup
Eggs3
Vanilla extract1 teaspoon
Sour cream1/2 cup
Buttermilk1 cup
Strawberry reduction1 cup

“The key to a perfect cake is in the batter preparation. By following these steps, you’ll create a moist, flavorful cake that will impress your friends and family.”

The Secret to Perfect Strawberry Frosting

To make your homemade strawberry cake even better, perfect strawberry frosting is key. Start by beating the butter a bit before adding the cream cheese. This makes the frosting smooth and creamy.

Then, add powdered sugar and strawberry puree slowly. Keep beating until it’s light and fluffy.

Cream Cheese Frosting Tips

For a tangy frosting, use cream cheese. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This avoids lumps and ensures a smooth frosting.

Achieving the Right Consistency

  • If the frosting is too thin, chill it to firm it up.
  • For a thicker frosting, add a bit more strawberry puree.
  • Use about 2 tablespoons of strawberry puree, salt, and vanilla for the frosting.

Follow these tips to make a strawberry frosting that looks great and tastes amazing.

IngredientQuantity
Unsalted butter, softened1 cup (2 sticks)
Cream cheese, softened8 ounces
Powdered sugar4 cups
Strawberry puree2 tablespoons
Vanilla extract1 teaspoon
Salt1/4 teaspoon

This strawberry frosting recipe needs just 4 ingredients. It makes enough for 12 cupcakes or a dozen. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 24 hours or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Assembling Your Strawberry Cake

Building your strawberry cake is a fun and rewarding task. Start by placing the first cake layer on a plate or turntable. Spread a thin layer of creamy strawberry frosting on top. Then, use a piping bag to create a ring around the edge.

This ring will keep the sweet strawberry jam filling inside. Spoon the homemade strawberry jam into the center, being careful not to spill. Top it with the second cake layer and repeat the frosting and jam process.

Finally, apply a crumb coat of frosting around the entire cake. This seals in the layers and prepares the cake for the final frosting layer. Chill the cake in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to set the frosting.

With patience and detail, you’ll have a stunning layer cake with a delicious strawberry jam filling and smooth frosting. It will impress everyone you share it with.

layer cake assembly

“The secret to a perfect strawberry cake is in the assembly. Take your time and follow the steps for a showstopping result.”

Decorating Techniques for a Professional Look

Make your homemade strawberry cake look like it was made by a pro. Use a bench scraper to smooth out the frosting on the sides. This will give your cake a clean, polished look. For the top, an offset spatula is key to a seamless finish.

Add some fresh strawberry garnishes to make your cake pop. Cut ripe strawberries in half and place them around the cake’s base or on top. For extra elegance, pipe rosettes or borders with a strawberry-shaped tip.

Fresh Strawberry Garnishing

Pick the ripest, most vibrant strawberries for garnishes. Cut them in half to show off their color and juicy texture. Place the halved strawberries around the cake’s base, overlapping them for a stunning display.

Piping and Presentation Tips

  1. Use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe rosettes or swirls on top. It adds a pro touch.
  2. Try a strawberry-shaped tip for themed decorations like strawberry shapes or vines. It’s a personal touch.
  3. Chill the cake before serving. It helps set the decorations and ensures a perfect presentation.

With these cake decorating tips, your homemade strawberry cake will wow your guests. The mix of smooth frosting, fresh strawberry garnish, and precise piping techniques will take your cake to the next level.

Storage and Serving Recommendations

After baking and assembling your strawberry cake, it’s key to store and serve it right. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Here are some tips for storing and serving your cake:

Cake Storage

  • Keep the cake in the fridge, covered loosely with plastic wrap. It stays good for 3-4 days.
  • To store longer, freeze unfrosted cake layers. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.

Serving the Cake

Let the cake come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors and textures shine. Your guests will love the freshness and taste of the cake.

Serving SuggestionBenefit
Serve with whipped creamThe creamy topping goes great with the cake‘s strawberry flavor.
Serve with vanilla ice creamThe cool ice cream matches the moist, fruity cake perfectly.

By using these cake storage and serving tips, your homemade strawberry cake will stay fresh and tasty. Your guests will love every bite.

strawberry cake slice

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Baking the perfect strawberry cake can sometimes be a bit tricky. But with a few simple troubleshooting tips, you can ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time. Let’s explore some common issues and how to address them.

Dry Cake

If your strawberry cake is coming out dry, it’s likely due to overbaking or overmixing the batter. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. Avoid opening the oven door too frequently during baking.

Also, be gentle when mixing the batter. Excessive mixing can cause the gluten in the flour to toughen. This results in a dry, tough texture.

Sunken Center

A sunken center in your strawberry cake can be caused by underbaking or opening the oven door too soon. Make sure to bake the cake for the recommended time. Resist the urge to check on it until the last few minutes.

Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh and evenly distributed throughout the batter. This helps the cake rise properly.

Runny Frosting

If your strawberry cream cheese frosting is too thin and runny, it could be due to the ingredients being too warm or over-beating the cream cheese. Use room-temperature cream cheese and butter. Avoid over-mixing the frosting once the powdered sugar has been added.

If the frosting is still too thin, try chilling it for a bit before spreading it on the cake.

By addressing these common baking problems, you’ll be well on your way to creating a moist, flavorful, and beautifully decorated strawberry cake. Your friends and family will love it. Remember to follow the recipe closely, use high-quality ingredients, and trust your baking instincts for the best results.

Conclusion

This homemade strawberry cake recipe is a perfect mix of moist cake, rich strawberry taste, and creamy frosting. It’s great for any event, from family get-togethers to summer parties. Each step in the recipe adds to a dessert that strawberry fans will love.

The recipe uses fresh strawberries and lets you add your own touches. This homemade strawberry cake will quickly become a hit in your summer baking collection. It’s perfect for a special treat or a cool fresh strawberry dessert that will wow your guests.

So, start gathering your ingredients and get ready to make a dessert that highlights summer’s flavors. Enjoy every bite of this homemade strawberry cake and feel proud of your hard work.

FAQ

What makes this strawberry cake recipe stand out?

This strawberry cake recipe is special because it uses fresh strawberries. This gives a real and strong strawberry taste. The recipe also includes a strawberry reduction. This is used in both the cake and frosting, making the cake moist and the frosting creamy.

What are the key benefits of making your own strawberry cake?

Making your own strawberry cake lets you customize it. You can use the best ingredients. The cake is fluffy and light. It has a rich strawberry jam filling and a tangy strawberry cream cheese frosting.

What are the essential ingredients for this strawberry cake?

You’ll need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, milk, and fresh strawberries. Some people use a white cake mix and strawberry Jell-O for ease and extra flavor. For the frosting, you’ll need confectioners’ sugar, butter, and more strawberries.

How do you make the strawberry reduction?

To make the strawberry reduction, blend fresh strawberries into a puree. Cook it over medium heat until it’s reduced to 3/4 cup. This concentrated puree is used in both the cake batter and frosting for intense strawberry flavor. Store the cooled reduction in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

What are the steps for preparing the cake batter?

Start by mixing the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt) in a bowl. Beat butter, sugar, and oil until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract. Mix in sour cream and strawberry reduction. Alternate adding buttermilk and the flour mixture. Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes.

How do you make the perfect strawberry frosting?

For the strawberry frosting, beat butter briefly before adding cream cheese to prevent over-beating. Gradually add powdered sugar and strawberry puree. Beat until creamy, adjusting consistency with additional powdered sugar if needed. For a tangier frosting, use a cream cheese base. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smooth blending.

How do you assemble the strawberry cake?

Start by placing a cake layer on a plate or turntable. Spread a thin layer of frosting, then pipe a ring around the edge to create a barrier. Fill the center with strawberry jam. Repeat with the second layer. Top with the final layer and apply a crumb coat of frosting. Chill the cake for 20-30 minutes before applying the final layer of frosting.

How do you decorate the strawberry cake?

For a professional look, smooth the frosting using a bench scraper for the sides and an offset spatula for the top. Garnish with fresh strawberries, placing halved berries around the cake’s base or on top. For added detail, use piping techniques to create rosettes or borders. Consider using a strawberry-shaped piping tip for themed decorations.

How should the strawberry cake be stored and served?

Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. Bring the cake to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

What are some common issues with this strawberry cake recipe?

Common issues include dry cake (caused by overbaking or overmixing), sunken center (underbaking or opening the oven door too soon), and runny frosting (ingredients too warm or over-beaten cream cheese). To prevent these, follow the recipe closely, use an oven thermometer, and ensure ingredients are at the correct temperature.